[06/09/08 - 02:47 PM]A&E Greenlights New Original Drama Series 'The Beast' Starring Patrick Swayze & Travis FimmelThe series will begin production on the 13-one hour episode order this summer in Chicago, and is tentatively slated to premiere in early 2009.

NEW YORK, NY � June 9, 2008 � A&E Network has greenlit the network's second original scripted drama series with "The Beast," starring Patrick Swayze and Travis Fimmel, it was announced today by Bob DeBitetto, Executive Vice President & General Manager, A&E Network. "The Beast" will begin production on the 13-one hour episode order this summer in Chicago, and is tentatively slated to premiere in early 2009.

"We're very excited to begin series production on 'The Beast' and even more thrilled to have Patrick on board reprising the role he played so powerfully in the pilot opposite Travis, who is certainly an emerging talent in his own right," said DeBitetto. "In addition to exceptional lead characters, 'The Beast' is unique in its combination of emotional storytelling, compelling plotlines and action elements."

"I have searched for quite a long time to find a character that is this muti-layered, unpredictable and downright entertaining, as well as a project this current and cutting edged," said Swayze. "There are constant twists and turns, because we never know what this 'Charles Barker' is going to do next! Not only is the show driven by plot, but as important, it's character driven. We have an incredibly talented team of writers and staff, Chicago is an amazing, untapped city. I can't wait to get to work on this."

In "The Beast," an unorthodox but effective FBI veteran (Swayze) trains a new partner (Fimmel) in his hard-edged and psychologically clever style of agenting while himself being pursued by a secret Internal Affairs team. The mischievous veteran hazes his new partner as they work undercover, brilliantly manipulating situations, constantly testing his new partner and pushing him to delve deeper into his "roles." As he realizes he can no longer maintain normal relationships and still do his job, the rookie is confronted with yet another challenge: An FBI team trying to enlist him as a double-agent in the bureau's investigation of his partner.

"The Beast" is executive produced by Allan Loeb and Steven Pearl for Scarlet Fire Films ("New Amsterdam") and Cory Concoff ("Beltway") for Fuel Filmworks. John Romano ("American Dreams," "Third Watch") will serve as the showrunner and executive producer. The pilot script was written by William Rotko ("Breach," "Beltway") and Vincent Angell (Stand By Love) who will also serve as co-executive producers. Michael Dinner ("The Wonder Years," "Grey's Anatomy") directed the pilot. "The Beast" will be produced by Sony Pictures Television for A&E Network.

About A&E

A&E is "Real Life. Drama." Now reaching more than 96 million homes, A&E is television that you can't turn away from; where real life shows are dramatic and scripted dramas are authentic. A&E offers a diverse mix of high quality entertainment; ranging from the network's signature Real-Life Series franchise, including the hit series "Intervention," "Gene Simmons Family Jewels," "Paranormal State" and "Criss Angel Mindfreak," to the most successful justice shows on cable, including "The First 48" and "Crime 360" and original scripted series including "The Cleaner" starring Benjamin Bratt. A&E is also the official basic cable home to the high-profile series "The Sopranos," "CSI: Miami" and "Criminal Minds." The A&E website is located at www.aetv.com.